NewJeans’ Hanni’s Illegal Residency Status: Is Deportation Possible in Korea?

Legal Dispute Surrounding Hanni Sparks Deportation Claims

On December 20, 2023, industry insiders disclosed that a complaint was lodged with the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters. The report titled, “Application for Deportation of Illegal Resident Phạm Ngọc Hân” refers to the popular artist known as Hanni, a member of the K-pop group NewJeans, who holds dual Australian-Vietnamese citizenship.

Hanni secured her visa through an exclusive agreement with the entertainment company ADOR. Recently, however, a wave of controversy erupted following NewJeans’ official announcement on December 29 regarding the termination of their contract with ADOR. This led to speculation about the validity of Hanni’s visa status.

According to the allegations made in the report submitted by the unnamed individual, referred to as “A,” Hanni is required to return her alien registration card and vacate South Korea within 15 days of the contract termination announcement. However, these claims have yet to be substantiated.

Under the existing E-6 visa guidelines, any changes regarding the workplace must indeed be reported within 15 days. Nonetheless, visa holders are allowed an additional 30 days to finalize any modifications, suggesting there may be more time for Hanni than initially claimed.

In light of these developments, ADOR has issued a statement confirming that their exclusive contract with NewJeans remains intact. The company is actively preparing the necessary documentation for Hanni’s visa extension, adhering to prescribed legal procedures.

Adding complexity to the situation, ADOR has initiated legal proceedings at the Seoul Central District Court, seeking official recognition of their contract’s validity. This legal action could mean that Hanni’s visa status may be upheld until a final verdict is reached.

Meanwhile, on December 14, the group NewJeans took a step towards maintaining direct contact with their fanbase by launching a new platform, jeanzforfree. However, this move has raised concerns from ADOR, which has reported receiving questions and complaints from various third parties, including advertisers, regarding the new channel and its content.

The ongoing strife between NewJeans and ADOR centers on the exclusivity of the contract. Despite the prevailing uncertainties, ADOR’s legal measures could lead to further clarification regarding the contractual obligations and Hanni’s status in South Korea.

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